Black History Month

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, January/February 2019 Issue (updated February 2023)

Learning about Black History is much more than slavery and civil rights. It’s also about celebrating the achievements of many Black Canadians. In 1995, the government of Canada officially recognized the month of February as Black History Month. Here are some websites and resources to help you and your students learn more and commemorate.

BC Black History Awareness Society
(Free – Website)

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the BC Black History Awareness Society is a non-profit organization that celebrates and stimulates interest in the achievements of Black people in British Columbia, both past and present. Their website contains a Learning Centre that offers many resources for students and teachers, including a Biographical Stories section as well as a Places of Interest Guide.

The Canadian Encyclopedia
(Free – Website)

The Canadian Encyclopedia offers a digital timeline that details the stories, experiences, and achievements of people of African origin. It begins in 1608 when it was believed the first Black person arrived in Canada, and brings users up to the present-day, marking the accomplishments of contemporary African-Canadians.

PBS Learning Media
(Free – Website)

For students who are interested in learning more about African American history, show them the video collection “Celebrating Black History and Culture” from PBS. Curated to showcase Black excellence across a multitude of subjects and areas, these videos can help educators incorporate Black stories in all curricula. For example, students can learn about figures such as Zora Neale Hurston, Jesse Owens, and Ed Dwight.  

Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum
(Free – Website)

This museum has a mission to “preserve and celebrate the heritage of people of African descent in Saskatchewan.” Through research, collecting, and documenting, the contributions of people of African descent in Saskatchewan over the previous 100+ years is now available through SACHM’s Virtual Museum. Sections of interest include Early Pioneers, Sports, Military, and many more.